1 John 5:19 - Slaves to life or death

Scripture:

1 John 5:19
19 We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
NASU


Thoughts:

What a stunning statement this is!  John has previously stated the position of the Christian in God, but now informs us that those outside of Christ, as part of this world, are ultimately under the power of the "evil one," or more literally in the Greek, wickedness.  Were our position in God attributed in any way to our own efforts, this would be an arrogant statement, to be sure.

Hearing the state of those apart from Christ, is hard for both the believer and unbeliever.  But the Bible further explains that where those in Christ once were, is where all else remain, being influenced by satan, the prince of the power of the air:

Ephesians 2:1-2
1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
NASU

We gain insight into this control over unbelievers from Jesus' own words:

John 8:34
34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin.
NASU

Those who choose to live in sin, become slaves to it.  Romans further illustrates that ultimately all of us are either going to be slaves to obedience in Christ (leading to eternal life) or to sin leading to eternal death, we really can't carve out our own path:

Romans 6:16
16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?
NASU

Though those outside of Christ may experience some level of success at controlling their behavior, the ingrained propensity to sin remains, clouding every thought and good intention.  Even the most moral person must confess to the battle with pride over their own "good" works.

And satan is a master at provoking us to sin.  Adam and Eve in their sinless state and perfect environment could not resist his charms, how much less hope do we have today apart from Christ!


Prayer:

Lord, too often I take for granted my deliverance in You.  How thankful I should daily be!

Likewise, I fail to pray for those around me who are enslaved to sin.  Forgive me.  Grant me a heavenly outlook today, seeing as You see.  Give me the empathy and pity I ought to have for the lost.  We are not on equal ground spiritually, therefore I ought to have compassion, and pray that this will change.  That they too will know the transforming power of Your forgiveness.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.